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Kudos FFCCU

"LeeAnn is AMAZING!!! She always has a smile and greets me by name every time i come in, even if it's been a few months since I have been in. She makes banking a pleasure! When my son opened his account she made a special effort to tell him about how great it was to start saving at a young age and that he can actually earn money by saving! that was over $1000 ago and he' still saving!! Thanks LeeAnn!!"

EMV Chip Protection

FFCCU is pleased to announce that we are one of the first financial institutions in northeast Ohio to offer EMV chip protection to its members. EMV technology uses a microchip on your credit card to encrypt your financial information. It’s more secure than just the magnetic strip that’s on the back of your credit card now. It’s verified at a point-of-sale terminal, just like a normal credit card. This advanced technology makes it possible to have a much stronger form of encryption, which makes your data more secure.

Verified by VISA

For quite a while, we’ve been protecting your online transactions by using secure technology called Verified by Visa. Operating in the background, this technology confirms your identity as an authorized user during online purchasing. As a result, you may have been asked from time to time to provide more information to confirm your purchase. This method of authentication may require you to register, or enter a password in order to complete the transaction. Though effective for fighting fraud, this process can be bothersome, especially if you’ve forgotten a password.

We’re excited to announce we’ve upgraded the security technology to better protect your online transactions and give you a more seamless online shopping experience when using your FFCCU Great Rate or Most Rewards Visa. The new technology is better at spotting illegitimate transactions which lets the vast majority of legitimate cardholders conduct business without interruption. However, when we do suspect fraud, we will stop the checkout process until you have confirmed, via your phone call to the phone number on the back of your card, that the transaction is being made by the rightful account owner. There will be no more remembering passwords or registering at checkout; just better security and a smoother online shopping experience!

Here are some quick Q’s and A’s about EMV chip-enabled cards:

What is an EMV chip-enabled card?

Your card contains an embedded EMV microchip. This chip holds information that is encrypted, making it extremely difficult for the card to be copied or counterfeited. Rather than swiping your card, you will insert your chip card into an EMV-compatible terminal and type in a pin code to complete a transaction. In addition to the embedded microchip, your card still has a magnetic stripe on the back. This ensures you will still be able to make purchases by swiping your card at merchants who have not yet switched to chip-enabled terminals.

Why are we moving to this type of card?

EMV chip-enabled cards have been the standard in Europe and many other countries around the world and are becoming a new standard in the United States. The chip technology provides enhanced fraud protection, as the card is now nearly impossible to duplicate. It also offers global acceptance, making it easier on those who frequently travel internationally to continue using their regular cards for payments.

How does chip technology protect my information?

Every time you use your card at a chip-enabled terminal, the embedded chip generates a unique transaction code. This prevents stolen data from being fraudulently used.

Does this change the process of using my card?

Yes. Instead of swiping your card or handing it to a merchant, when making a transaction at a new EMV-compatible terminal, you’ll need to insert the card in the terminal and leave it there until the transaction is complete. If you remove the card too soon, the transaction will end and your purchase will not be processed. Here’s how it works:

1. Insert the chip portion of the card into the terminal with the chip facing up.

2. Follow the prompts on the terminal screen.

3. The terminal will display the purchase amount.

4. When your transaction is complete, you will be prompted to remove your card.

5. REMEMBER TO TAKE YOUR CARD.

Where can I use a chip-enabled card?

You can use your chip-enabled card anywhere you would use your existing card. However, now there are two ways to use it—swiping as usual, or inserting into one of the new EMV readers.

Can I still use my chip-enabled card if the merchant’s terminal is not enabled?

Yes. If a merchant is not yet chip-enabled, simply continue to swipe your card. Then enter your PIN. Or select CREDIT and sign for your purchase (if necessary).

Will my PIN number change?

No. Your PIN number stays the same.

Will the process of paying with a chip-enabled card at a restaurant or bar change?

Yes. If the restaurant or bar accepts EMV-chip cards, they will bring a portable card reader to the table to allow you to complete the payment process outlined on the previous page. This helps to protect card information from being stolen, as your card no longer leaves your sight as it did before. Remember, if a chip terminal is not available, you will still be able to make purchases by swiping your card and signing the receipt.

Can I use my chip-enabled debit card at the ATM?

Yes. You can still use your card to get cash, check your balance and more. Simply insert the chip end of your card with the chip facing up. Your card will remain in the ATM until your transaction is complete.

How does chip technology protect my information?

Every time you use your card at a chip-enabled terminal, the embedded chip generates a unique transaction code. This prevents stolen data from being fraudulently used.

Are chip cards new?

Although chip cards are relatively new in the U.S., they have been used in other countries for many years. In some countries, particularly in Europe, chip cards are the standard.

Firefighters Community Credit Union (FFCCU) is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience in accordance with ADA standards and guidelines. We are actively working to increase accessibility and usability of our website to everyone. If you are using a screen reader or other auxiliary aid and are having problems using this website, please contact us at 216.621.4644. All products and services available on this website are available at all FFCCU branches.

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